IN DEPTH

Indian Motorcycle Unveils ‘Big Chief Custom’

By AutoConception Staff

Posted: December 17, 2013

Indian Motorcycle has today revealed a fully customised, Indian Chief Classic at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City. Conceptualised and designed by Indian Motorcycle’s Industrial Design team, the “Big Chief Custom” is the first custom Indian Chief created around the 2014 models introduced at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally back in August.

Spearheaded by the head of Polaris Industries’ Industrial Design team, Greg Brew, a small team undertook the task of customising a stock 2014 Indian Chief Classic. It features a number of Genuine Indian Motorcycle aftermarket accessories along with a custom paint scheme and billet girder front fork. The Big Chief Custom was designed to showcase the possibilities to customise, enhance and personalise the 2014 Indian Chiefs, say the designers.

One key design detail of the custom build is the billet aluminium girder front end that recalls the early Indian models. Designed, machined and built in-house, the girder fork features machined uprights and cross members with a custom 23-inch front wheel. The custom front valance fender maintains the traditional look of the Indian Chief. A custom shock and headlight complete the package. Custom paint, meanwhile, was applied in-house by team member Steve Leszinski with a multicoloured theme from prior generations of Indian Motorcycles.

Another nod to the long history of Indian Motorcycle is the springer style seat, which is combined with a modern day single rear shock.

The “Pinnacle Series” of Indian Motorcycle accessories on the Big Chief includes the cam cover, primary cover, chrome grips and beach bars, as well as the stage 1 exhaust with fish tail tips. Other custom accessories include “war bonnet” floorboard pads, a heel shifter and chrome rear fender bumper.

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